Monday, December 29, 2008

Just wanted to let you all know that for some reason I am having trouble accessing my email. Sheila, I am dying to know how Corbin's surgery went. I will keep trying it, but if I don't respond, that's why.Love to all,

THE CHOSEN HEARTLonging for a child to love,I'd wish upon the stars above.In my heart I always knew,A part of me was meant for you.

I think how happy we will be,Once I adopt you, and you adopt me.

I dream of all the joy you'll bring,Imagining even the littlest things.The way it will feel to hold you tight,And tuck you in every night.

The drawings on the refrigerator door,And childhood toys across the floor,The favorite stories read again and again,And hours of games with make-believe friends.

The day you took my outstretched hand,A journey ended, but our lives began.Still mesmerized by your sweet face,Still warmed inside by our first embrace.

I promised to give you a happy home,And a loving family all your own.A house you've now made complete,With laughter, smiles and tiny feet.

A parent is one who guides the way,Know I will be there everyday.Rest easy as each night you sleep,A lifetime of love is yours to keep.

Longing for a child to love,I'd wish upon the stars above.In my heart I always knew,A part of me belonged to you.--Teri Harrison

I woke a little early this morning before everyone else. I decided this was a perfect time for me to spend a little extra time with my precious Heavenly Father. How can I ever thank him for this incredible journey we've just endured. There is no possible way, and that's one thing that is so wonderful about our Lord. He doesn't want nor expect us to repay Him. He loves us so much, he enables us to have these blessings. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for choosing us to be this precious little boy's parents. No, we do not even deserve His goodness. We allowed Him to use us in a mighty way. It has not been easy, and the process was not painless, but let me tell you how much we have grown. Our faith grew tremendously! Do not ever doubt the power of God! I think we have also grown stronger as a family, and the lessons that our kids have learned along the way are priceless. My prayer is that they will always remember God will always take care of them. I pray that God will use them in a mighty way. Many times in the last three or so months, we would look at that huge amount we needed to complete this journey, and time after time, God provided in unbelievable ways. He will ALWAYS provide in remarkable ways. How do we ever thank all of you for helping make our dream come true. There is no way we can, but we are here to tell you that God can. Please know that each of you have been prayed for and we have asked God to send you HUGE blessings like only He can. We could not have done this without you! To those who made donations along the way, to those who bought raffle tickets or supported our garage sales, or attended and helped with Tessa's talent show, or have just been there with an listening ear, or most importantly, if you have lifted us up in prayer, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To our wonderful church for your sweet love offering and gifts, thank you so much. We love you so much! Thank you to Central Baptist for your precious love offering. We love you, too, and you will always hold a special place in our heart. There are no words to describe how much all of you mean to us! I don't want to mention each name, because I would probably leave someone out, and I would never want to do that.

Thank you for your sweet comments along the way. They kept us going, and brightened each day. Cristi, you don't have to worry about Toryn not liking American food. The boy eats anything you put in front of him! He's my son!

Many have asked how we communicate with him. He is already learning some words (in english). I don't know if he is speaking Chinese or just jabbering. He's pretty clear at getting across what he wants. He said Daddy last night. He will try to repeat most everything the kids try to get him to.

I want to thank Toryn's birthmother. Oh, how my heart aches for this woman. This brave woman. You loved your precious little child so much that you gave him up knowing he would have a better life than you could provide. You must have known that you could not provide his medical needs, or physical needs, and you placed him in an area where you knew he would be found quickly. I cannot even imagine having to make this very difficult decision. Please know that I pray for you often. I ask God to please send peace your way so that you will know that Toryn will be very well cared for, and his medical needs will be met. No, I am not the best mother, but I promise to you that I will try my very best. Thank you for the gift you have allowed us to have.

I also want to thank my magnificiant family. Termite, I know you thought I was crazy at first, but you never stopped me for allowing my dream to come true. You supported me even when I think you didn't want to. Then, you got excited, too. I love watching you with the kids. You are such a fun daddy! You are the very best hubby and father anyone could ever have! I love you, and thanks for being who you are. Tessa and Treagan, how do I ever thank you both for being the kids you are? You both make me so happy and proud. You are great kids and it blesses me so much to see you allowing God to use you in marvelous ways. Thank you for being who you are and for making good decisions. Thank you for your excitement and determination to be the best brother and sister ever!

Dear Toryn, "When they placed you in my arms and I looked into your face, I felt our hearts melt into one, a miracle took place. My prayer was finally answered, though delayed, 'twas not denied- the pain of love unanswered, in a moment's time subsides. God's plan seemed hard to understand. The circle's now complete. He placed the heavens in my arms, so precious and so sweet. Though you grew within another, my soul and yours were one. We united in God's loving heart before life had begun. I received a priceless treasure, this adopted child I love...a gift of joy and happiness to me from God above." Love, Mama

Well, this is our last day in China. It is bittersweet. We are real ready to be home, but at the same time, it's a little sad that we will take Toryn away from his country. Maybe some day when he is older, we can return to show him. I probably will not be able to post again until we get home. Again, thank you! You may continue to follow us as this part of the journey comes to an end, but a whole new adventure begins........whew, I need prayers...... he's all boy and two years old at that! LOL!!Happy New Year to you all!

Didn't do a whole lot today. This morning we had to stay in our room so that we could answer the phone if needed. Our guides took all of our paperwork to the US consulate office. If they had a question on any of the paperwork, they would have called. We did not get a call! One step closer. Tomorrow, we go to the office and have to be interviewed by the consulate. It's pretty easy, they just ask you if you want to keep this child and if we promise to not hurt or abandoned him. I think we should pass!

In the afternoon, we did our shopping. It's a really neat area to shop. Reminds us of all the little shops at Ruidoso, Mom. We found some cool things. We will have to go back tomorrow because we had this one little shop paint the kids names in Chinese, so we'll have to go pick them up.

We are excited that we just have one more day here. It has been fun, but we are really homesick. Can't wait to see everyone. We will be in on Wed. Dec. 31st. We will arrive in Midland at 8:30 PM on the 31st.

The city of GuangzhouJust a picture of some run down buildings. There is lots of construction and building going on all over. Of course, they have to build up, no room for any other way.We went shopping today to Shamian Island. There was a little park with lots of statues in it.There was a cool little pond with gold fish at the park. The kids were showing Toryn the goldfish.The kids were playing hopscotch with the statues. Wonder who won?Hmmm, a little confused about his American eating utensils? Doesn't everyone eat their grilled cheese sandwich with a fork?We found Lucy's Restaurant at Shamian Island. Lots of American food! Very good, too!Toryn is finally letting Termite help him a little. Still not real happy when he holds him, but it is getting better!Treagan found a smokin' hot girlfriend!I'm speechless on this one! Goofy guys! Toryn wouldn't put his hat on. Can't say I blame him, I wouldn't want to look like these goobers either!Kung Fu Termite- aka Meloveyoulongtime!I told you the traffic is crazy! Here's about 4 lanes of traffic all trying to merge into one lane.Bet you can't guess who bought him this camo hat!I'm all American Boy now in my overalls!I have lots of help posting on my blog these days! That's why it takes me forever!This boy loves his baths!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Hey guys. It's been great here but I'm real ready to come home. My favorite place that we have been to is Guangzhou. I don't know if it's because it's warm and green or if it's because it's the place we finally get to shop at. :) The food is much better than from Beijing because it's mostly McDonalds haha. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. My little brother is cute but he's a real toot. He's come out of his shell and is very funny. He still won't let dad or Treagan hold him. He plays with Treagan and gives him sugars but has nothing to do with dad. Well I hope everything is going well. I will see yall Wednesday finally.

This is the view from our hotel window in Guangzhou. It is an apartment building. The entire time we have been in China, we have not seen one house. They cannot have houses because there is no room to build them. They all live in apartments. We are staying in a five star hotel and right next door is a run down apartment building. We are so blessed in America. If you look closely, you can see their clothing hanging out to dry. We have also seen many hanging out their supper- mostly dead, skinned chickens, and RATS!!!! UUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!! Disgusting! Thank you Lord for all of our blessings!

Toryn and Tessa playing patty cake on the bus.

They took us to a tea house. In China, drinking tea is a very big deal. They prefer hot tea over coffee, sodas, and even DIET DR. PEPPERS! Can you imagine? They go to a lot of trouble preparing their tea. They use tea leaves instead of tea bags, and there is several different steps to it. Here we are at the tea house.

This kid loves anything you give him to eat or drink! He liked his hot tea.

Treagan and Tessa on the other hand was not real fond of it, but they did well faking it! We certainly didn't want to be disrespectful and make faces!

This is the lady that prepared our tea. Here is Termite and some of the others in our group. She made us about five different kinds of teas. Most of them were good, but there was one that was REALLY bitter, so when she wasn't looking we all poured it down the drain real quick so she wouldn't know.

Here she looks like she is praying that we like the tea!

Lots of work going into preparing this tea.

The driving in China is unbelievable. It's worse than any rollercostar you can imagine. I am surprised we haven't seen more wrecks than we have. Everyone honks all the time. You could pick the person's nose in the car next to you if you wanted, because they are so close. I am not kidding! Here Treagan and Jay McNelly are riding the bus with the crazy traffic. Jay and his family are from Tennessee.

They also took us to a Folk Museum. It was pretty neat and interesting. Here we are in front of a beautiful flower garden outside of the museum. Very pretty flowers and greenery here in Guangzhou.

This shrub was pruned in the shape of a bear. (I guess it was a bear.)

This car was all decorated for a wedding. The lady got out and was yelling something in Chinese to the man driving. I guess their off to a rough start.

A statue of the emperor and his horse.

We are in one of the courtyards at the folk museum.

Chris from Tennessee was trying to play a song on this bamboo flute.

A figurine of their god, Buddha. It makes me sad to see these. I'm so glad we serve the true living God!

What a life! Just hanging out in the carrier all morning while Mom totes me around!

This is precious Hope. She was adopted by a sweet family. Please pray for Hope. She has really had a hard time adjusting to her daddy. She screams and cries everytime he comes into the room. Time will make it all better, but Allen is really having a hard time being rejected.

My new friend, Kathy (Hope's mom).

Linekar, Amy, and their daughter. (Our guides)

This man was painting these beautiful painting with the bottom of his hand only. It was remarkable.

In the entrance of the museum, there are two huge doors. On the doors, years ago, they painted these gigantic pictures of their guards. They believe that these paintings will keep out the ghosts and evil spirits.

Their buildings are so beautiful and the paintings and sculptures on them are unbelievable.The Folk Museum